He is not only a football player. He is an entertainer and an icon.
If that were the case, quarterback Cam Newton might just the perfect player who could make everything right for the Dolphins — a hybrid package of owner-quenching marketability and coach-aiding athletic ability. Too easy, right?
Of course, right.
There’s one considerable problem with that impressive assessment of the NFL Draft’s most intriguing prospect: Newton is the one who said it. About himself.
“I see myself not only as a football player, but an entertainer and icon,” Newton indeed declared during an interview about his latest endorsement deal with Under Armour.
It might not normally be a major issue, but when clumped with the controversies that surrounded a pay-for-play scandal last college football season, it has become an issue for some in NFL circles wondering whether Newton might be an icon … and a headache.
Whether or not the Dolphins were to seriously consider the possibility of drafting Newton (they likely would need to trade up to get him and don’t have much ammunition to do so), it nonetheless illustrates the type of scrutiny that goes into drafting a quarterback.
“To me, it’s huge,” said Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, who invested a third-overall pick in 2008 to select quarterback Matt Ryan. “It was a big part of our interview process with Matt.
“We want him to be the first guy in and the last guy out. We want him to have a presence. We want Matt Ryan to lead the entire team.”
Dimitroff’s homework paid off. But he admits he initially noticed a shaky, nervous Ryan during his first meeting with him at the Scouting Combine three years ago. It’s a warning to all evaluators: Don’t overlook potential flaws — but don’t overanalyze, either.
In the case of this year’s draft, two talented quarterbacks faced a series of badgering questions from hundreds of media members in Indianapolis. As both Newton and Arkansas Ryan Mallett said, the NFL’s 32 teams also put them up to the fire.
“One thing I can say for each an every team is, they keep you on our toes,” Newton said. “I’m eager to know or to try to expect what the next team is going to say or what they are going to have me try to do.”
Mallett is being peppered by teams about recent media allegations of marijuana and cocaine use during college.
He expected as much, even though he said Saturday he would keep those discussions between him and the teams asking him.
Newton, though, wasn’t fully prepared for everything thrown his way.
On Saturday night, ESPN reported Newton became flustered when one assistant coach asked him why he ran a quarterback sneak toward the end of the BCS National Championship rather than take a knee as he was instructed to do.
Sources told the network that Newton became defensive.
A big deal? Again, it’s all in the eyes of the team making the decision to draft him. Newton at least seemed willing to try to explain some of the questions about him — specifically regarding his “icon” comment — during a long media session.
“I understand that my obligation is to be the best possible football player that I can be,” said Newton, reading from a statement. “I know and believe that.”
As teams — including the Dolphins — begin to investigate any potential character concerns surrounding players at a critical position like quarterback, it will be up to many general managers to decide whether they also know and believe Newton.
Because there’s likely to be far less questions about something else — his ability. On Sunday, Newton and Mallett will both run through many drills, throwing passes and demonstrating their foot speed in front of NFL scouts.
Both players have rocket arms. Both players have big-play ability. Both players have the potential to be great NFL football players. But icons? Entertainers? Don’t expect any teams to be drafting based on that.
“You will see me doing everything possible to become the best player I can possibly be,” Newton said.

He is not only a football player. He is an entertainer and an icon.
If that were the case, quarterback Cam Newton might just the perfect player who could make everything right for the Dolphins — a hybrid package of owner-quenching marketability and coach-aiding athletic ability. Too easy, right?
Of course, right.
There’s one considerable problem with that impressive assessment of the NFL Draft’s most intriguing prospect: Newton is the one who said it. About himself.
“I see myself not only as a football player, but an entertainer and icon,” Newton indeed declared during an interview about his latest endorsement deal with Under Armour.
It might not normally be a major issue, but when clumped with the controversies that surrounded a pay-for-play scandal last college football season, it has become an issue for some in NFL circles wondering whether Newton might be an icon … and a headache.
Whether or not the Dolphins were to seriously consider the possibility of drafting Newton (they likely would need to trade up to get him and don’t have much ammunition to do so), it nonetheless illustrates the type of scrutiny that goes into drafting a quarterback.
“To me, it’s huge,” said Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, who invested a third-overall pick in 2008 to select quarterback Matt Ryan. “It was a big part of our interview process with Matt.
“We want him to be the first guy in and the last guy out. We want him to have a presence. We want Matt Ryan to lead the entire team.”
Dimitroff’s homework paid off. But he admits he initially noticed a shaky, nervous Ryan during his first meeting with him at the Scouting Combine three years ago. It’s a warning to all evaluators: Don’t overlook potential flaws — but don’t overanalyze, either.
In the case of this year’s draft, two talented quarterbacks faced a series of badgering questions from hundreds of media members in Indianapolis. As both Newton and Arkansas Ryan Mallett said, the NFL’s 32 teams also put them up to the fire.
“One thing I can say for each an every team is, they keep you on our toes,” Newton said. “I’m eager to know or to try to expect what the next team is going to say or what they are going to have me try to do.”
Mallett is being peppered by teams about recent media allegations of marijuana and cocaine use during college.
He expected as much, even though he said Saturday he would keep those discussions between him and the teams asking him.
Newton, though, wasn’t fully prepared for everything thrown his way.
On Saturday night, ESPN reported Newton became flustered when one assistant coach asked him why he ran a quarterback sneak toward the end of the BCS National Championship rather than take a knee as he was instructed to do.
Sources told the network that Newton became defensive.
A big deal? Again, it’s all in the eyes of the team making the decision to draft him. Newton at least seemed willing to try to explain some of the questions about him — specifically regarding his “icon” comment — during a long media session.
“I understand that my obligation is to be the best possible football player that I can be,” said Newton, reading from a statement. “I know and believe that.”
As teams — including the Dolphins — begin to investigate any potential character concerns surrounding players at a critical position like quarterback, it will be up to many general managers to decide whether they also know and believe Newton.
Because there’s likely to be far less questions about something else — his ability. On Sunday, Newton and Mallett will both run through many drills, throwing passes and demonstrating their foot speed in front of NFL scouts.
Both players have rocket arms. Both players have big-play ability. Both players have the potential to be great NFL football players. But icons? Entertainers? Don’t expect any teams to be drafting based on that.
“You will see me doing everything possible to become the best player I can possibly be,” Newton said.

In case you missed it, The Animal Dave Batista made his return to the WWE on last night’s edition of RAW. I’m just kidding, FCW World Heavyweight Champion Mason Ryan made his long awaited TV debut tonight. I’m positive you all know why I referenced Dave Batista.

Ryan shares a distinct resemblance to the Animal and when he hopped on the apron, I immediately shouted Batista’s back! The camera zoomed on Ryan’s face and I was shocked how easy it was to mistake Mason for Batista. Trust me, I’ve been a big Batista fan since his early days.

With that being said, it seems as if Ryan will share another similarity with the Animal. Ryan is seemingly going to be the muscle of New Nexus. Dave Batista served as Evolution’s muscle for almost four years.

I also noticed another similarity tonight.

When Batista made his return to RAW in 2003, he attacked RAW’s top guy at the time, Goldberg. Ryan attacked RAW’s current top guy, John Cena. Yes, the circumstances may be extremely different but it’s similar nonetheless.

All of these events leave me with one question. Is the WWE trying to recreate their success with Batista?

Let’s see what they’ve already done. Mason already sports the signature Batista beard and street clothes. His ring attire is very similar to Batista’s. Even the hairstyles are identical.
Even before Batista departed the WWE, Mason sported the same look Dave used when he began his push in 2005.

Both men were Champions in the WWE developmental territory. Ryan’s birthday is five days before Batista and both men are the same height. Seems as if the only thing Mason needs is the Batista Bomb. Remember, Batista would’ve been the face of the WWE instead of Cena.

Some blame Batista’s attitude and criticism of his peers for him missing out of the poster boy position. Maybe Mason Ryan could be the new Batista without all of the problems. Similar to what the WWE tried to do with Ted Dibiase for Orton.

Better yet, what are Creative’s intentions with Mason? Ryan is reportedly in high regard with management. Ryan received big push while in FCW and he felt he didn’t deserve it. At least the guy’s humble.

Only time will tell for Mason Ryan. Let’s just see what CM Punk cooks up for his new recruit next week.

In case you missed it, The Animal Dave Batista made his return to the WWE on last night’s edition of RAW. I’m just kidding, FCW World Heavyweight Champion Mason Ryan made his long awaited TV debut tonight. I’m positive you all know why I referenced Dave Batista.

Ryan shares a distinct resemblance to the Animal and when he hopped on the apron, I immediately shouted Batista’s back! The camera zoomed on Ryan’s face and I was shocked how easy it was to mistake Mason for Batista. Trust me, I’ve been a big Batista fan since his early days.

With that being said, it seems as if Ryan will share another similarity with the Animal. Ryan is seemingly going to be the muscle of New Nexus. Dave Batista served as Evolution’s muscle for almost four years.

I also noticed another similarity tonight.

When Batista made his return to RAW in 2003, he attacked RAW’s top guy at the time, Goldberg. Ryan attacked RAW’s current top guy, John Cena. Yes, the circumstances may be extremely different but it’s similar nonetheless.

All of these events leave me with one question. Is the WWE trying to recreate their success with Batista?

Let’s see what they’ve already done. Mason already sports the signature Batista beard and street clothes. His ring attire is very similar to Batista’s. Even the hairstyles are identical.
Even before Batista departed the WWE, Mason sported the same look Dave used when he began his push in 2005.

Both men were Champions in the WWE developmental territory. Ryan’s birthday is five days before Batista and both men are the same height. Seems as if the only thing Mason needs is the Batista Bomb. Remember, Batista would’ve been the face of the WWE instead of Cena.

Some blame Batista’s attitude and criticism of his peers for him missing out of the poster boy position. Maybe Mason Ryan could be the new Batista without all of the problems. Similar to what the WWE tried to do with Ted Dibiase for Orton.

Better yet, what are Creative’s intentions with Mason? Ryan is reportedly in high regard with management. Ryan received big push while in FCW and he felt he didn’t deserve it. At least the guy’s humble.

Only time will tell for Mason Ryan. Let’s just see what CM Punk cooks up for his new recruit next week.

Dr. Frank Ryan's ex-girlfriend told People that he was tweeting a picture of his dog right before his fatal car accident.
Charmaine Blake says, "He lived up in Malibu on a tiny street and he was texting while driving and he accidentally went over the cliff."
Blake claims that investigators told Ryan's family that tweeting caused the crash. The California Highway Patrol did confirm that the plastic surgeon was texting before his car went off the road, but have not officially determined the cause of the accident.
The picture of his border collie Jill was sent around 4:10pm. It's been reported that Dr. Frank's accident occurred at around 4:30pm.

Dr. Frank Ryan's ex-girlfriend told People that he was tweeting a picture of his dog right before his fatal car accident.
Charmaine Blake says, "He lived up in Malibu on a tiny street and he was texting while driving and he accidentally went over the cliff."
Blake claims that investigators told Ryan's family that tweeting caused the crash. The California Highway Patrol did confirm that the plastic surgeon was texting before his car went off the road, but have not officially determined the cause of the accident.
The picture of his border collie Jill was sent around 4:10pm. It's been reported that Dr. Frank's accident occurred at around 4:30pm.

Some say the USA is a contender for the men's hockey gold in Vancouver this Winter Games. American forward Bobby Ryan is one of them. Today, the Anaheim Duck score the first goal in the tournament for the Americans en route to a 3-1 victory over what looked like a strong Swiss team early on.
The goal was a bitter-sweet moment for the New Jersey native. In this game, Swiss goalie, Jonas Hiller was foe, rather than a fellow Duck. Ryan's commanding goal with 61 seconds left in the first period, broke a silence, perhaps an awkward one, between the two NHL teammates.
After Ryan out-muscled Thierry Paterlini, a loose puck drizzled to the high slot where Ryan snapped it home before Hiller could regroup from the action in front of the net. The feat became the shot heard throughout Vancouver and can legitimately be logged as monumental. Hiller boasted a .919 NHL save percentage coming into the Olympic tournament.
Chants of U.S.A.! U.S.A.! tore through Swiss crowd efforts to fire-up their sqaud, which also rosters three other players with NHL experience. Mark Streit of the New York Islanders, Yannick Weber, who's skated with Montreal and Luca Sbisa, who started the season in Anaheim, represent Switzerland.
Most Swiss players play in domestic pro leagues or in Europe. Americans know how such a match-up feels. Even those not alive when Mike Eruzione and Jim Craig, a couple of college kids, took on a NHL-caliber Soviet team know how the tourney unfolded in 1980.
There isn't an amateur on the 2010 American roster, just as 30 years ago, there were no pros among Herb Brooks' rag-tag bunch of scrappers.
Ryan, like several others on hand, was unsure how the Canadian fans would react. Some figured the Americans would get booed out of the building. While the U.S. isn't a folk hero, it is not the proverbial bad guy--yet. Ryan said an eventual match-up with Canada could change all that.
"I thought for sure we were getting booed today,'' Ryan said. "I came out expecting that. But I think the fans were just excited to get things under way. When we play Canada I'm sure it will be a different story.''
Some fans were cheering for American Ryan Kesler, who plays for the Vancouver Canucks.
The U.S. plays Norway Thursday, Feb. 18., which some predict to be a warm-up game for an anticipated match-up with Canada.

Some say the USA is a contender for the men's hockey gold in Vancouver this Winter Games. American forward Bobby Ryan is one of them. Today, the Anaheim Duck score the first goal in the tournament for the Americans en route to a 3-1 victory over what looked like a strong Swiss team early on.
The goal was a bitter-sweet moment for the New Jersey native. In this game, Swiss goalie, Jonas Hiller was foe, rather than a fellow Duck. Ryan's commanding goal with 61 seconds left in the first period, broke a silence, perhaps an awkward one, between the two NHL teammates.
After Ryan out-muscled Thierry Paterlini, a loose puck drizzled to the high slot where Ryan snapped it home before Hiller could regroup from the action in front of the net. The feat became the shot heard throughout Vancouver and can legitimately be logged as monumental. Hiller boasted a .919 NHL save percentage coming into the Olympic tournament.
Chants of U.S.A.! U.S.A.! tore through Swiss crowd efforts to fire-up their sqaud, which also rosters three other players with NHL experience. Mark Streit of the New York Islanders, Yannick Weber, who's skated with Montreal and Luca Sbisa, who started the season in Anaheim, represent Switzerland.
Most Swiss players play in domestic pro leagues or in Europe. Americans know how such a match-up feels. Even those not alive when Mike Eruzione and Jim Craig, a couple of college kids, took on a NHL-caliber Soviet team know how the tourney unfolded in 1980.
There isn't an amateur on the 2010 American roster, just as 30 years ago, there were no pros among Herb Brooks' rag-tag bunch of scrappers.
Ryan, like several others on hand, was unsure how the Canadian fans would react. Some figured the Americans would get booed out of the building. While the U.S. isn't a folk hero, it is not the proverbial bad guy--yet. Ryan said an eventual match-up with Canada could change all that.
"I thought for sure we were getting booed today,'' Ryan said. "I came out expecting that. But I think the fans were just excited to get things under way. When we play Canada I'm sure it will be a different story.''
Some fans were cheering for American Ryan Kesler, who plays for the Vancouver Canucks.
The U.S. plays Norway Thursday, Feb. 18., which some predict to be a warm-up game for an anticipated match-up with Canada.

According to a report by Mike Fleming of Variety, actor Chris Pine is currently in negotiations with Paramount to assume the role of Tom Clancy's famed CIA agent, Jack Ryan to reboot the franchise for a new set of adventures.
Paramount confirmed the report late Tuesday in a statement by Paramount Film Group president Adam Goodman, "Tom Clancy created an unfortgettable character with Jack Ryan. With Chris in the role, we've taken our first step in creating a reboot that lives up to the successful lineage of the franchise."
Pine, who already had been partly instrumental as the new Captain Kirk of the recent revitalization of "Star Trek" earlier this past May as the film went on to become the highest-grossing Trek installment in the franchise and one of the summer's biggest hits as it grossed $257.7 million, is starting to become the next hot actor on the Hollywood block.
Pine is currently working on a project opposite Denzel Washington titled, "Unstoppable" for 20th Century Fox, being directed by Tony Scott and is in separate talks with director D.J. Caruso in Paramount's upcoming production, "The Art of Making Money". While Pine is expected to return as Captain Kirk for the next Trek film due in theaters in the summer of 2011, its unclear as to whether if they will tackle the Jack Ryan reboot before or after the next Trek sequel.
Earlier back in July, rumors were going around that actor George Clooney had expressed interest in playing Jack Ryanm but Paramount at the time was uncertain on the direction of the franchise. Pine will be the fourth actor to assume the role of Jack Ryan, as he been played by Alec Baldwin in 1990's "The Hunt for Red October" opposite Shawn Connery. Then Harrison Ford played Jack Ryan twice in the following sequels "Patriot Games" in 1992 and 1994's "Clear and Present Danger" and Ben Affleck in 2002's "The Sum of All Fears".

According to a report by Mike Fleming of Variety, actor Chris Pine is currently in negotiations with Paramount to assume the role of Tom Clancy's famed CIA agent, Jack Ryan to reboot the franchise for a new set of adventures.
Paramount confirmed the report late Tuesday in a statement by Paramount Film Group president Adam Goodman, "Tom Clancy created an unfortgettable character with Jack Ryan. With Chris in the role, we've taken our first step in creating a reboot that lives up to the successful lineage of the franchise."
Pine, who already had been partly instrumental as the new Captain Kirk of the recent revitalization of "Star Trek" earlier this past May as the film went on to become the highest-grossing Trek installment in the franchise and one of the summer's biggest hits as it grossed $257.7 million, is starting to become the next hot actor on the Hollywood block.
Pine is currently working on a project opposite Denzel Washington titled, "Unstoppable" for 20th Century Fox, being directed by Tony Scott and is in separate talks with director D.J. Caruso in Paramount's upcoming production, "The Art of Making Money". While Pine is expected to return as Captain Kirk for the next Trek film due in theaters in the summer of 2011, its unclear as to whether if they will tackle the Jack Ryan reboot before or after the next Trek sequel.
Earlier back in July, rumors were going around that actor George Clooney had expressed interest in playing Jack Ryanm but Paramount at the time was uncertain on the direction of the franchise. Pine will be the fourth actor to assume the role of Jack Ryan, as he been played by Alec Baldwin in 1990's "The Hunt for Red October" opposite Shawn Connery. Then Harrison Ford played Jack Ryan twice in the following sequels "Patriot Games" in 1992 and 1994's "Clear and Present Danger" and Ben Affleck in 2002's "The Sum of All Fears".

Ryan Seacrest’s $15 Million: He’s Earned It! Seriously!

Ryan Seacrest’s $15 Million: He’s Earned It! Seriously!